The Reason Monuments are Turning Blue

November 14th is World Diabetes Day. In an effort to push diabetes into the minds of everyone, the International Diabetes Federation started a global campaign called “Blue Monument.” Since 2007 over 1000 buildings have gone blue on November 14. Corporate headquarters, local landmarks, and government buildings have joined the Blue Monument campaign to show support and dedication for those of us living with diabetes. Here are some places going blue for diabetes and the ways the condition affects each place.

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World’s Tallest Saamis Tepee Medicine Hat, Alberta Canada

Canada’s participation in diabetes medicine began with Dr. Frederick Banting, Dr. Charles Best and Dr. John Macleod and graduate student James Collip at the University of Toronto. Banting, Best and Macleod won the nobel prize for medicine with their discovery of insulin. Image credit: IDF Flickr.

UN Building, World Diabetes Day

In 2006, the UN approved the resolution 61/225 affirming that diabetes is a major global health threat. It declared Nov 14th as World Diabetes Day. Image credit: IDF Flickr.

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Pyramid and Sphinx, Egypt

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) areas are dealing with a burgeoning diabetes crisis with 32 million people with diabetes. The problem is the expected to escalate to 67.9 million by 2035. Image credit: IDF Flickr.

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The Empire State Building

The Empire State building was owned by Harry and Leona Helmsley. The Helmsley left a trust to be used for advancing medicine. The Helmsley trust has taken an active role in type 1 diabetes. The program funds projects aimed at accomplishing 3 strategic goals: understanding the disease, developing better treatments and improving care and access. Image credit: IDF Flickr.

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Globe Arena, Stockholm, Sweden

The statistics for the European Union are 52 million people live with diabetes. However, Sweden has a higher rate of type 1 diabetes, approximately 2-3 times higher. Sweden has reported an average 3% increase in type 1 diagnosis since the mid 1980s. The average age for diagnosis is 14 years or younger. Image credit: IDF Flickr.

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Sydney Opera House, Australia

Australia doesn’t have the largest population with diabetes, but Australia funds a lot of diabetes research, particularly on type1. In order for diabetes to be understood, managed and cured, it will take a team effort and they seem to be in it for the long haul. Image credit: IDF Flickr.

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Seoul, South Korea

There is no country too big, or too small to avoid being effected by diabetes. Edith Wharton once said, “There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” The Blue Monument Campaign reflects that we are in this together. Image credit: IDF Flickr.